A septal perforation is a hole in the septum – the cartilage and mucosa that divides the two sides of the nose. If you have a stuffy nose, whistle when you breathe, experience frequent nosebleeds, crusting or a runny nose, your septum might have a hole in it. Often these symptoms are severe and interfere with the patient’s daily life.
The list of causes is extensive. The most common include previous septal surgery (septoplasty), trauma to the nose, infection or chemicals inhaled in the nose.